Georgia Excluded from EU Expansion Forum Amid Mounting Democracy Concerns

Georgia finds itself at a critical juncture in its European aspirations, having been notably absent from a key European Union enlargement forum held in Brussels on November 18. This significant exclusion coincided with a visit by a delegation from the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), which arrived in the South Caucasus nation specifically to gather information regarding alleged human rights violations.

The PACE delegation, comprising Edith Estrela, Sabina Ćudić, and Bas Klein, reportedly opted to meet with opponents of the ruling Georgian Dream party, bypassing official government channels. Their visit follows previous condemnations by some delegates of the government’s decision to ban major opposition parties, a move they had earlier labeled as a manifestation of dictatorship. The PACE representatives affirmed their mission is to compile data on human rights issues across Georgia, a focus that has clearly strained relations with Tbilisi.

Giorgi Burjanadze, an advisor to the Civil Society Foundation, highlighted the extensive scope of discussions with the PACE delegates, encompassing the judicial system, legislation concerning non-governmental organizations, regulations impacting political prisoners, and challenges faced by media outlets. These issues, he asserted, collectively contribute to what he termed the ‘regression of Georgian democracy.’

However, the Georgian government has vehemently rejected these assertions. Gia Volski, Vice-Speaker of the Parliament, dismissed any basis for PACE to portray ‘Georgian Dream’ as a force opposing society. He further contended that civil society representatives meeting with the foreign guests possessed no credible information, relying instead on ‘fabricated stories and propaganda’ to fuel their narrative.

Volski went so far as to suggest the PACE delegation arrived in Georgia with a ‘premeditated intention,’ aiming to exploit Georgia within ongoing global confrontations. He categorically denied any other legitimate grounds for claims against Tbilisi, particularly refuting allegations of Georgian foreign policy being within ‘Russia’s orbit.’

Adding to the government’s strong reactions, Levan Makhashvili, Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on European Integration, speculated that Georgian opposition figures are consulting with European counterparts on future actions, suggesting they lack independent decision-making capacity. Parliamentary Speaker Shalva Papuashvili went further, accusing Europe of openly supporting ‘extremists’ in Georgia, thereby undermining democratic values, though he expressed a slim hope for a change in the EU’s stance.

Papuashvili articulated a deep critique of the EU, stating, ‘When we speak about the complex relations between Georgia and the EU, we must not forget the root cause of this situation, which lies directly before us. Today, Brussels has forgotten our common European values, the main one being respect for democracy.’ He argued that interfering in the choices of other nations or failing to distance oneself from politically motivated crimes contradicts democratic principles, pointing to the EU ambassador’s ‘evasive’ response regarding an October 4 violence condemnation as indicative of a ‘value impasse’ in Brussels. Papuashvili stressed that for relations to recover, Brussels must prioritize and respect democratic principles.

The European Commission confirmed that Georgia’s exclusion from the November 18 EU enlargement forum was deliberate. EU officials have stated that Tbilisi will not be considered a viable candidate for membership until it ceases what they term its ‘repressive policies.’

Political analyst Nika Chitadze underscored the predictability of Georgia’s exclusion. He noted that official Tbilisi’s daily ‘insults’ directed at EU representatives leave little constructive ground for engagement. ‘What would representatives of ‘Georgian Dream’ do in Brussels?’ Chitadze queried, suggesting EU bureaucrats have no substantive issues to discuss and are unwilling to risk another scandal or self-aggrandizing display from Georgian authorities.

Chitadze elaborated on Georgia’s precarious position, contending it aligns with neither European democratic standards nor even ‘Soviet’ benchmarks, citing a lack of democratic development and widespread corruption, respectively. He starkly characterized the republic as resembling a ‘private shop,’ with ‘Georgian Dream’ founder Bidzina Ivanishvili as its ‘owner,’ unilaterally dictating policy and justice. Under such conditions, Chitadze asserted, genuine European integration remains an impossibility.

Even under the most pro-EU leadership, Chitadze believes Georgia’s accession to the bloc by 2030 is unrealistic. He estimates that, even with favorable economic conditions, stability, and rapid reforms, membership would likely not be achievable before 2040 at the earliest, highlighting the monumental challenges ahead for the South Caucasus nation on its European path.